Sydney Roosters players, Mitchell Pearce, Nate Myles and Anthony Minichello together with the kids from Claremont College, today helped demonstrate the new Backyard League programme down at Coogee Beach.
Based upon the traditional concept of playing Rugby League down at the local park or in the backyard when growing up, Backyard League is designed to introduce kids to the game of Rugby League in a non-structured version of the code which doesn’t discriminate against player’s knowledge, skill sets or size.
With only six set rules, the game of Backyard League is designed to make it easier for participants to gain the skills and understanding of Rugby League, in a safer, more friendly and enjoyable environment. The game allows kids to use their imagination and create their own rules to provide a level and fun playing environment.
Development Officers from around the country will roll out the new Backyard League programme as part of their 2010 school visits.
Backyard League Rules:
Compulsory Rules:
- The ball must be passed backwards
- There must be a nominated number of chances (Touches / Tags / Tackles)
- You cannot knock the ball forward (‘Knock On’)
- At the end of each chance the defence must move back away from the attacking player
- If there is kicking, the chaser must be behind the kicker
- The objective of the game is to score a try by pressing the ball down over a line.
Customisable Rules:
- Number of players per team
- Size of the field
- After a chance, the number of markers allowed (None / One / Two)
- Number of chances per set to score (1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / Unlimited)
- How to restart after the end of a chance (Play the ball / Tap / Hit the Ground / Etc)
- How do you stop an opponent (Pull of a tag / Touch / Two Handed Touch / Tackle)
- Is kicking allowed (Yes / No)
- How does play restart after a try (Winner kicks / Tap & Go / Etc)
- Is the defence given a chance to get back onside?
- What type of ball are you going to use? (Football / Tennis Ball / Drink bottle / etc)
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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
